Category: Uncategorized

How are traditions born? Are they carefully thought out and crafted or do they happen organically? Or accidentally, even? A piece of jewelry that is passed on, an article of clothing that is worn, a secret recipe that is cooked lovingly. A gathering of family or friends that happens once a year, once a decade….

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. See my previous entry on kinship here. As we sit by our gate at LAX, waiting patiently to board our flight (that is delayed yet again), I realize we are only halfway to our destination after what already seems like a…

Last year we shared a small video recap of Noelani’s year here. This year, we’re a couple days late, but cheers to another year full of love, adventure and laughs with this amazing little lady. Snippets from this past year’s fun of Noelani as a two-year-old. Photos by Ashlee Dean Wells

This entry was written as part of the Sakura Bloom: Sling Diaries, Volume VII. I remember the day my sister arrived in the world. With the exception of maybe my daughters, few relationships have made such a memorable entrance into my life. My 7-months pregnant mother and my sick, 3-year old self were on the…

The last moments with only one child on the outside. The support of a loving husband. The strength of a mama. The wonder of a new big sister. The love of a new family of four. Thank you Angie Klaus for capturing these moments. Check our other posts for our birth story in words and…

A couple of weeks ago we shared our birth story in words. It was nice to remember our daughter’s birth from our memories but we are so happy and fortunate that Angie Klaus documented the day for us so that we can be transported back and relive all the love and strength and wonder that…

I wanted to write this down exactly as I remember it, which may or may not be exactly how it happened. I wanted to share this before I saw the video of that day, which I know I will treasure always and will share with you soon. This is how I recall the days leading…

Dearest Niara, I’ve been here before. I know this place that smells of new skin and betadine and sour milk. I know this place that sounds of tiny coos and grunts from new lungs and the hum of the washing machine running more often than usual. Daddy and I lose track of what day and…

What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. – George Eliot Three years ago we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Noelani’s upcoming arrival. We had our baby shower on my grandmother’s farm in Pennsylvania….

“I am certain, my love, that poetry was born only after your birth.” — Kaman Kojouri We’ve spent the past few days in the surreal bliss that we are now a family of four. Tuesday morning at 10:23am we welcomed into the world all 7 pounds and 14 ounces of Niara Leia Elaine. Niara (Swahili) meaning…

“Motherhood: all love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning Dearest Noelani, No matter what happens next, you will always be the one who made me a mother. I remember the first day we learned of your existence. I was nearly in tears as I processed the information, neither tears of sadness nor tears of joy……

It’s getting hot (and humid) in DC and we just wanted to share some of the things we’ve added to our bag for the summer time! Reusable Water Bottle Hydration is key to get through these DC summers (also necessary when super pregnant). We prefer stainless steel to plastic and these from KINGSO are our…